Malacañang Approves New ‘Indigenous’ Office Uniform Design For Government Workers

MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Government employees wearing uniforms made of indigenous fabrics may soon become a reality, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

DOST has been working with textile experts and weavers to produce a line of everyday office wear that incorporates indigenous textiles and designs for government agencies.

The project will not only spice up the uniforms worn by some 1.5 million government workers, but also revive a 12-year-old law that requires office outfits that promote nationalism and boost the country’s rich tropical fabrics industry, DOST said.

In 2004, Congress approved Republic Act No. 9242, also known as the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law, prescribing the use of natural fibers produced, spun, woven or knitted and finished in the country for official uniforms of government officials and employees.

After a series of meetings with fashion experts, DOST has made its final recommendation to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte who immediately approved the design.

The new female office uniform, shown above modeled by Senator Loren Legarda, will make its debut in government offices nationwide starting November 1st this year.

The male uniform is still being discussed and debated. “It’s a little bit more difficult to design the male uniform, so it will take a little more time,” DOST said.

A DOST official, who spoke with The Adobo Chronicles on condition of anonymity, said that the departmennt is leaning towards the barong tagalog with rolled up sleeves for males, similar to what has been modeled by Duterte.